Salik Company, the operator of Dubai’s road toll gates, has renewed its five-year contract with TransCore, a leading US-based tolling company, strengthening a long-standing strategic partnership aimed at supporting the efficiency and technological development of Dubai’s tolling system.

Mattar Al Tayer, chairman of the Board of Directors of Salik, witnessed the renewal of the partnership, which was signed by Ibrahim Al Haddad, CEO of Salik, and Whitt Hall, CEO of TransCore, alongside several officials from both sides, a WAM report said.

Read more: Salik’s H1 revenue hits Dhs1.41bn as Dubai traffic shows signs of recovery

The renewed contract builds on the companies’ long-standing collaboration and covers the continued development of systems and technologies supporting tolling operations. The partnership will leverage advanced technical expertise and solutions to enhance the system’s efficiency, reliability and readiness for future requirements.

The agreement will also explore opportunities to deploy artificial intelligence technologies and advanced digital solutions to improve operational efficiency and system performance, while strengthening the tolling system’s ability to respond to the evolving requirements of Dubai’s smart mobility ecosystem.

AI and digital solutions in focus

The collaboration is also expected to support the efficiency of Salik’s portfolio and further develop its technological capabilities. This will strengthen the company’s role as an integrated payment platform and expand its application across various mobility services, including parking payments and other existing and future services.

The broader aim is to provide customers with a more seamless and convenient experience as Dubai continues to develop an increasingly integrated smart mobility network.

Ibrahim Al Haddad, CEO of Salik, said the renewal builds on a relationship based on technical expertise, innovation and collaboration.

“The renewal of our contract with TransCore builds on a long-standing relationship founded on technical expertise, innovation and collaboration, and marks an important step in the continued development of Dubai’s tolling system in line with the highest standards of efficiency, reliability and operational excellence,” he said.

Al Haddad added that Salik would seek to leverage artificial intelligence, advanced technologies and digital solutions over the next five years to enhance operational performance and future readiness.

He said the partnership would also support the expansion of Salik’s application across a broader range of mobility services, with the company aiming to deliver greater convenience for customers while supporting Dubai’s vision for a smarter, more integrated and sustainable mobility ecosystem.

Financial impact remains broadly unchanged

Whitt Hall, CEO of TransCore, said the company valued its long-standing relationship with Salik and viewed the renewal as a reflection of their shared commitment to building on the achievements delivered over the years.

“We remain committed to leveraging our expertise and technological capabilities to deliver solutions and services in line with the highest standards of efficiency, quality and reliability,” Hall said, adding that the partnership would contribute to Dubai’s vision of developing an advanced, smart and sustainable mobility ecosystem.

There has been no material change compared with the previous contract in terms of the expected financial impact. Salik is expected to maintain a similar level of annual operating expenses, ranging between 5% and 5.5% of total annual revenues.

The renewed contract, however, introduces significant enhancements to the contractual, operational and regulatory frameworks. These include strengthened requirements covering sustainability, governance, cybersecurity, maintenance and business continuity.

The agreement also takes into consideration Salik’s future expansion plans by providing for system upgrades to meet requirements related to existing services, as well as future initiatives and activities.

Collaboration dates back to 2006

Salik and TransCore’s collaboration on Dubai’s tolling system dates back to 2006, when TransCore contributed to the design and development of Dubai’s original tolling system.

The scope of cooperation subsequently expanded over the years, evolving alongside the system’s development and changing operational and technological requirements.

The contract renewal reflects Salik’s continued focus on investment in technology, artificial intelligence and innovation, while reinforcing strategic partnerships that support the growth of its core business and the expansion of its mobility services.

The approach is also expected to support the continued advancement of Dubai’s tolling system and the development of integrated payment solutions, while strengthening Salik’s ability to keep pace with Dubai’s growth and evolving mobility needs.

The renewed partnership ultimately reinforces Salik’s role within Dubai’s smart mobility ecosystem as the emirate continues to pursue increasingly connected, efficient and technology-driven transportation services.

US forces struck three Iranian oil tankers on Saturday, US Central Command said, including one off the coast of Kharg Island, near Iran’s key oil export hub.

The strikes were carried out after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched ballistic missiles at two US Navy ships, Central Command said.

“Let the message to the IRGC be clear: If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost — taking out three of yours,” said Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command.

Iran responded by threatening intensified strikes against US military vessels in the region.

“If the evil, insecurity and harassment of Iranian ships and the naval blockade of Iran continue, the strikes of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s armed forces against US military vessels in the region will be more severe than before and there is a possibility of their expansion,” Iran’s military command said in a post on state media.

Tasnim, the semi-official Iranian news agency, reported earlier that four US missiles hit a tanker in the area of Kharg’s anchorage. Tasnim quoted local sources as saying there were no casualties and the tanker’s crew was being evacuated.

No American personnel were harmed, Central Command said.

The exchange of attacks followed an escalation in the past week that threatens to deepen a conflict that has dragged on since the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran in February, disrupting global energy supplies and drawing opposition from a majority of Americans before congressional elections in November.

Threats over Kharg Island

US President Donald Trump ​said on August 31 in a one-line social media post accompanied by an AI-generated video that Kharg Island was being “blown to smithereens”. Iranian authorities have vowed a strong response if Kharg is attacked.

Iran is the third-largest producer in the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting ‌Countries (OPEC) and exported 90 per cent of its crude via Kharg Island before the war, but flows have been disrupted since a US blockade of Iranian oil exports began in mid-April.

Trump said on June 11 that he wanted to take over Kharg Island, but then said a threatened US ​military operation there was off the table for now, days before Tehran and Washington signed an interim agreement aimed at ending the war on June 17.

A US attack on Kharg would further pressure Iran’s oil industry and its wider economy, which is already reeling from the US naval blockade.

The US imposed its blockade on Iranian ports after Iran effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz, an important waterway that carried one-fifth of the world’s oil supply before the war.

Brent crude futures closed at their highest level since July 24 on Friday, at $96.28 a barrel, as tensions in the Middle East drive global supply concerns.

“Leadership is about creating lasting impact. It’s about building systems that empower people to live healthier lives today while laying the foundation for future generations,” says Dr Khadija Al Marashda.

As global healthcare shifts from reactive treatment to preventive care and proactive wellness, Dr Al Marashda stands at the forefront of this transformation in the UAE. An Emirati woman, consultant physician and accomplished executive, she leads SEHA CLINICS — Abu Dhabi’s trusted healthcare provider and a key subsidiary of Pure Health, making accessible multispecialty care the strategic foundation of a sustainable, future-ready healthcare system. Through strategic foresight, innovation, talent empowerment, and unwavering focus on patient impact, she shapes a modern paradigm of sustainable healthcare solutions that balances multispecialty expertise and technology with deep human connection.

Her leadership is defined by a clear commitment to advancing sustainable, value-based healthcare systems that align with national priorities while addressing the evolving needs of patients and communities.

REDEFINING HEALTHCARE AT SCALE

Under Dr Al Marashda’s strategic direction, SEHA CLINICS operates an expansive network of over 37 healthcare centres, 19 visa screening facilities, and more than 200 school health clinics across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, managing over four million patient visits annually.

By championing integrated networks focused on preventive care, chronic disease management, and seamless digital care pathways, she directly aligns SEHA CLINICS with Abu Dhabi’s ambitious vision for a proactive, community-centred health ecosystem.

PIONEERING INNOVATION WITH A HUMAN TOUCH

As a passionate advocate for innovation and digital transformation, a key component of Dr Al Marashda’s forward-looking approach is the strategic integration of advanced health technologies. From deploying AI-assisted diagnostic solutions in radiology to pioneering early-detection tools for diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, she actively integrates next-generation tools to sharpen clinical decision-making.

Crucially, Dr Al Marashda maintains that innovation must augment — never replace —the essential human connection at the heart of patient care. Her forward-thinking strategy also ensures equitable access across all communities, leveraging mobile healthcare units and expanding services into underserved regions so that high-quality care reaches every individual.

EMPOWERING PEOPLE AND INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION

As a prominent Emirati woman leading large-scale transformation within strategic national industries, Dr Al Marashda embodies the UAE’s commitment to fostering top-tier national talent. Beyond technology and operations, she prioritises human capital, fostering a culture rooted in collaboration, continuous learning, and accountability.

By investing in workforce development as passionately as infrastructure, Dr Al Marashda continues to model what modern, visionary healthcare leadership looks like: driving institutional excellence today while safeguarding the health and well-being of the UAE for generations to come.

The UAE’s aviation sector is heading into the final months of 2026 with airlines stepping up their efforts to attract passengers, expand international connectivity and capture growing demand for both affordable and premium travel.

At the centre of the latest push is Air Arabia, which has launched a limited-time UAE fare promotion offering one-way economy tickets from Dhs269, while simultaneously increasing its Bangkok services from Sharjah. Etihad Airways, meanwhile, is turning strong early demand into a year-round Gothenburg service, while Emirates is expanding its Premium Economy offering on flights between Dubai and Mauritius.

Air Arabia puts fares in the spotlight

Air Arabia’s “Amazing Escapes On Sale!” campaign gives UAE travellers discounted fares across destinations in the Gulf, Middle East, Asia, Central Asia and Europe. The promotional booking window runs until September 10, while the travel period covers September 1 to November 25, according to the airline’s UAE website.

The headline fares include Abu Dhabi-Salalah from Dhs255, Abu Dhabi-Kuwait from Dhs269, Sharjah-Kuwait from Dhs269, Abu Dhabi-Bahrain from Dhs299, and Sharjah-Riyadh and Sharjah-Muscat from Dhs299.

Read more-Emirates adds electric privacy screens to Premium Economy

The promotion also reaches longer-haul markets, with Sharjah-Istanbul fares advertised from Dhs437, Sharjah-Tashkent from Dhs498, Sharjah-Tbilisi and Baku from Dhs549, Sharjah-Colombo from Dhs599 and Sharjah-Bangkok from Dhs798.

The fares are subject to availability, with Air Arabia warning that advertised prices are indicative and can change. The airline says fares displayed on its website are collected within the previous 48 hours and may no longer be available when a customer attempts to book.

Bangkok becomes a bigger play

Air Arabia is also strengthening its Thailand network, announcing a fourth daily non-stop flight between Sharjah and Bangkok from October 25. The new frequency will take the carrier’s Bangkok operation to 28 non-stop flights a week.

The expansion complements 21 weekly flights between Sharjah and Phuket. Combined, Air Arabia will offer 49 weekly non-stop services from Sharjah to Bangkok and Phuket, underscoring Thailand’s importance within its Southeast Asian network.

“Our expanded Bangkok service reflects the strong importance of Thailand within our network and our commitment to supporting growing demand for affordable and convenient travel between the UAE and Southeast Asia,” said Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia.

Etihad bets on demand

Etihad is taking a different route to growth. After announcing Gothenburg as a winter destination only three weeks ago, the Abu Dhabi carrier has now made the Swedish city a year-round destination following what it described as exceptional early demand.

The service begins December 17 with four weekly flights operated by an Airbus A321LR.

“Three weeks in, the market has told us we underestimated Gothenburg, and we are glad to be corrected,” said Arik De, Etihad Airways chief revenue and commercial officer.

The route will connect western Sweden with Abu Dhabi and Etihad’s wider network across Asia and the Indian subcontinent, while also opening Gothenburg to travellers from the airline’s global network.

Emirates adds a premium layer

Emirates is meanwhile using product differentiation to deepen its Mauritius market. From September 1, Premium Economy is being introduced on two of the airline’s three daily Mauritius-Dubai flights, operated by an A380 and a retrofitted Boeing 777.

The upgraded cabin gives passengers more space, enhanced dining and additional comfort, with the A380 offering 56 Premium Economy seats and the Boeing 777 offering 24.

“ Mauritius has always been an important market for Emirates,” said Oomar Ramtoola, Emirates’ Manager for the Indian Ocean Islands.

Taken together, the moves underline the breadth of competition in UAE aviation: low fares and higher frequencies at Air Arabia, network expansion at Etihad and upgraded cabin products at Emirates. For travellers, that translates into more choices. For airlines, it reflects a race to capture demand by combining price, connectivity and experience.

The UAE is set for fair to partly cloudy conditions on Saturday, with a chance of rain as convective clouds develop over eastern areas during the afternoon, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).

The NCM said temperatures are expected to gradually rise, while humid conditions will develop overnight and into Sunday morning across some coastal areas, with a possibility of light fog.

Winds are forecast to be light to moderate, becoming fresh at times as clouds develop. Southeasterly to northeasterly winds will blow at speeds of 10 to 25 km/hr, reaching up to 40 km/hr, a WAM report said.

Rain chances build across eastern and southern areas

The weather outlook also points to the possibility of rainfall across parts of the country as convective clouds form over eastern and southern areas during the afternoon.

According to the NCM, the UAE is being affected by an extension of a surface low-pressure system from the east, accompanied by an upper-air low-pressure system. These conditions are expected to contribute to cloud development and possible rainfall.

Winds may strengthen around cloud formations and could cause blowing dust and sand in some areas. Speeds are expected to reach up to 40 km/hr over coastal areas and islands, while internal and mountainous regions could see gusts of up to 45 km/hr.

Despite the possibility of rain, temperatures will remain high, particularly across inland areas.

Temperatures could hit 46°C

Coastal areas and islands are expected to record maximum temperatures between 37°C and 42°C, with minimum temperatures ranging from 29°C to 33°C.

Internal areas will be considerably hotter, with daytime highs forecast between 41°C and 46°C and overnight lows of 26°C to 30°C.

Mountain areas will be comparatively cooler, with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 39°C during the day and 23°C to 28°C at night.

Sea conditions are expected to remain slight in the Arabian Gulf, while the Sea of Oman will range from slight to moderate.

The NCM’s daily bulletin said the Arabian Gulf’s first high tide would occur at 18:08, while the first low tide would be at 10:27 and the second low tide at 02:56.

In the Sea of Oman, the first high tide is expected at 14:21 and the second at 06:01. The first low tide will occur at 09:37, followed by the second at 22:31.

More clouds and rain possible Sunday

The unsettled pattern is expected to continue into Sunday, when partly cloudy conditions are forecast across the UAE, with another possibility of convective cloud formation over eastern areas during the afternoon.

Humidity is expected to increase overnight and into Monday morning in some coastal areas. Winds could reach 35 km/h, while sea conditions are expected to remain slight.

Fair conditions forecast for Monday and Tuesday

Monday is expected to be fair to partly cloudy, becoming cloudy at times over eastern areas. Southeasterly to northeasterly winds could reach speeds of up to 35 km/hr.

Similar conditions are forecast for Tuesday, although winds are expected to shift to southwesterly to northwesterly directions, blowing at 10 to 25 km/hr and reaching 35 km/hr at times.

Sea conditions are expected to remain slight during the period.